Minister for crime and security James Brokenshire said: ’This strategy places an emphasis on preventing people from getting involved in organised crime, promoting awareness to enable the public to protect themselves, and provides a more coordinated approach to prosecution and disruption activity.

‘The strategy will pave the way for the National Crime Agency, galvanising all those with a role to play in tackling organised crime. We need to address the threat at a local, national and international level in order to make a lasting impact.’

Serious problem

Serious organised crime is on the increase in the UK. There are around 38,000 organised criminals in the UK and around 6,000 organised crime groups.

It costs the UK public between £20 billion and £40 billion each year.

Mr Brokenshire added: ‘We have to take strong measures. This strategy sets out how UK law enforcement will work harder at rooting out the problem at the earliest stage.’